3 Reasons Why Teenagers Should Do Martial Arts

Martial arts training is not only for young children. The lifelong benefits of structured martial arts training are valuable for teenage students, particularly in positive impacts on self-esteem, academic performance, and stress relief. Our dynamics program was built to transform teen students at KOMA into confident, compassionate, and capable leaders.

We know the training the students get will prepare them for a successful future. Here are benefits of martial arts training for teens.

1. Martial arts schools support positive relationships

The benefits of extracurricular involvement develop along with the child. It’s not too late when participation begins in teenage years; in fact most positive outcomes have been found to be stronger for older youth including middle and high school students.

Our students receive constructive feedback and praise that reinforce their self-confidence and give them an understanding on how to build positive relationships with others.  Through their positive relationship with the instructors at KOMA, they learn the important skills of communicating effectively, listening to the needs of others, cooperating well, and asking for help when needed.

The positive culture set in martial arts schools also influences students as they work toward common goals together, helping them make friends at KOMA that want to help each other collectively and individually. Our mission is to build character through martial arts excellence, which translates into a school environment that encourages students to value positive character traits in themselves and their peers. The positive bonds formed within a supportive martial arts school widen a student’s support system, which is particularly important for teens during a time of life that can appear full of challenges and changes.

2. Martial arts training emphasizes responsible decision-making.

Consistent involvement and dedication promote the development of responsibility and belonging. Teenagers can especially benefit from committed participation because of the challenges and temptations they face. The more time in spent in activities like martial arts that are associated with positive influences the less time teens spend in risky or unproductive activities.

We understand that committed participation requires that the student is truly engaged, which is why student engagement is core to our goals as instructors to build trust and respect. Rather than forcing participation in rigid ways, we inspire passion by emphasizing personal growth and providing students opportunities for leadership that are shaped around their specific interests.

3. Martial arts training builds a healthy and active lifestyle.

A teenager’s body and mind quickly change and develop. Martial arts provides a framework for not just physical improvements including balance, coordination, and fitness, but also for emotional and mental well-being through stress relief and its emphasis on focus and self-discipline. Martial arts provides a total body workout that helps teens increase strength and flexibility. Many martial arts programs also reinforce healthy habits including healthy eating and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

With the belt rank system in martial arts, students approach learning advanced physical techniques with disciplined practice. With positive encouragement and respect for values that are core to martial arts philosophies, students not only build a consistent workout routine, but also a supportive fitness environment that emphasizes individual growth.

The most important lessons from martial arts happen in between the kicks and punches. At KOMA, we create a supportive and inclusive community that builds positive character through martial arts excellence to help our teenage students succeed in their future.